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Monday, January 30, 2012

It's that time again! Our Featured Designer this month is Vicki Bellino of Bloom Creek. Vicki was kind enough to tell us a bit of her story. Enjoy!

My thanks to Jennifer for giving me the opportunity to be a featured designer on her web site and for promoting my newest block-of-the-month called Vintage Rouge.

In 1986 I took my first quilting class and was immediately hooked! I loved every aspect of it, from selecting the fabrics to sewing the binding. I eventually became proficient enough in machine quilting to start a quilting business in 2002. Though I loved the creativity of the design involved in machine quilting, I still hadn’t truly discovered my passion.

Vicki's first pattern - Blooms for Annabelle

With the growing popularity of the pre-cut 5” charm packs, I began to dabble in designing patterns for use with charm squares. I was fortunate enough to be provided the opportunity to market my first few patterns and teach my designs at a local quilt shop. To my delight (and surprise), the response was wonderful! With the support of many friends and family, I eventually quit my “day" job as a claims adjuster and seriously ventured into the business of quilt pattern design. This ultimately led to the creation of Bloom Creek and my first pattern, Blooms for Annabelle. This pattern holds a special place in my heart, not only because it was my first pattern, but it was designed for one of my best friends, Anne Myers, who passed away this year.

Before I knew it, I was contacted by fabric companies and distributors and attended my first Quilt Market as a vendor in 2006. I owe a great deal of my success to the wonderful business relationships and friendships I developed over the years.

Vicki and Judie Rothermel with the Circle of Friends quilt

The past few years have included several “firsts” – including publishing my first book with Martingale, having features in quilting magazines, and designing block-of-the-month quilts for Marcus Fabrics. Never in a million years would I have guessed I would have the opportunity to collaborate with such a talented designer and someone I have always admired, Judie Rothermel! Circle of Friends was our first Aunt Grace block-of-the-month and will always be special to me. We have since become good friends and are now working on our third Aunt Grace block-of-the-month, which will be introduced at spring quilt market in Kansas City.

For those who know me, it comes as no surprise that I have become extremely passionate about English paper piecing. In fact, my second book with Martingale is due to be released in less than 2 weeks and is called “English Paper Piecing – Fresh New Quilts from Bloom Creek”. I incorporated this technique in my newest block-of-the-month, Vintage Rouge. This has got to be one of my most favorite quilts and incorporates two of my most favorite techniques – appliqué and English paper piecing!

Vintage Rouge

I have made life-long friends because of quilting and feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to pursue a business in quilting that is truly my passion!

Vicki has generously offered autographed copies of three of her large quilt patterns: Vintage Rouge, Aunt Grace's Garden Party, and Aunt Grace Circle of Friends. To enter, leave a comment below telling us your favorite Bloom Creek design. Make sure to have an email address so you can be contacted if you win! ﻿

Tell us about your favorite doll growing up. How did she get her name? What are some of your favorite memories of your doll?

Here is what some of the girls here had to say:

Julie - My favorite doll was named Jessica - named after the neighbor's grandbaby. (I always named my dolls after real babies!) My best friend also had a doll named Jessica, but hers was bald and mine had beautiful brown curls. In time, however, those brown curls turned into a matted mess! When I got older, my mom displayed Jessica in our home, wearing a dress and bonnet my great-grandmother wore as a toddler.

Tiffany - My favorite doll growing up was my very first Cabbage Patch Kid that my grandmother made me for my 3rd birthday. My grandma sewed the body and attached a Cabbage Patch doll head! She also made about ten different outifts for the doll, as well. I don't remember the doll's name, but my grandma still has a picture of me and the doll on her fridge!

Liz - I didn't have a favorite doll growing up, but my sister did. One time we were playing and needed a boy doll, so I took my sister's favorite doll and cut off all of her hair. To this day, my sister has not forgiven me!

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The Shabby is the official blog of Shabby Fabrics (www.shabbyfabrics.com), an online quilting store specializing in romantic, floral, shabby style fabrics, along with quilt kits, Block of the Month programs, and patterns. Read our blog for information on new products, giveaways, and designers we carry.